Micellar water can seem like magic. This skincare product can easily “melt” off hard-to-remove makeup like mascara and lipstick, with no harsh rubbing necessary. It’s not quite a cleanser, even though it can help you cleanse your skin. That might lead you to ask: Do you rinse off micellar water?

The answer isn’t quite so simple: Ultimately, it depends on a few different factors, including your skin type. Curology’s expert team of dermatology professionals is here to explain everything you need to know about this convenient product. 

What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a popular product thanks to its ability to effectively cleanse skin and gently remove makeup in one simple step.

Micellar water typically includes purified water, moisturizers, and mild detergents. These key components work together to form tiny micelles, or spherical structures, which efficiently attract and trap dirt, oil, and makeup particles.¹ As a result, micellar water provides a convenient, non-abrasive solution for cleansing skin, without disrupting its natural balance and hydration.

How does micellar water clean your skin?

If you’re thinking of adding micellar water to your skincare routine, you should know how it works. 

Micellar water is a gentle and effective way to cleanse your skin. It contains special ingredients called nonionic surfactants that are efficient at cleaning your skin.² These surfactants form tiny droplets called micelles that act like magnets, attracting and trapping dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin.³ When you rinse your face, the micelles along with the trapped impurities are easily washed away. The best part is that micellar water is suitable for sensitive skin because the nonionic surfactants are less likely to cause irritation.⁴ At the molecular level, nonionic surfactants have a unique structure that allows them to be more gentle than other surfactant types.⁵ It not only cleanses but also helps moisturize your skin, making it a great choice for your skincare routine.⁶ 

Should you rinse off micellar water, or leave it on?

Micellar water contains very mild surfactants, which is why it’s highly effective at cleansing your skin. However, if surfactants are left on your skin for extended periods, they may cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.⁷ Rinsing off micellar water may be a good idea if your skin is more sensitive.

However, not all micellar water products require rinsing. Many can be used as a quick-and-easy cleanser, or as the first step in your cleansing routine to remove makeup, sunscreen, or other personal care products.

Using micellar water in your skincare routine

Incorporating micellar water into your skincare routine can be beneficial. Research has shown that a regimen including micellar water, cream, and serum is suitable for sensitive and redness-prone skin. In one study, this combination led to an enhanced clinical appearance and a decrease in associated symptoms for rosacea patients.⁸

You should follow the steps that come with the micellar water you purchased. When using Curology’s micellar water, follow these simple steps:

1. Dampen a cotton pad with micellar makeup remover and gently wipe over your closed eyes, skin, and lips, taking care to avoid getting the product into your eyes. 

2. For waterproof makeup, hold the pad on top for 3 seconds before wiping it away. Make sure to keep your eyes closed throughout the process.

And that’s it! There’s no need to rinse off the product. Although rinsing is generally not necessary, if you have sensitive skin or eyes, you should consider washing the product off after use. 

You can incorporate micellar water at the beginning of your skincare routine, and continue applying your other products afterwards. If you choose to use a cleanser after micellar water, you'll be performing a double cleanse, providing an extra-thorough cleaning.

The benefits of micellar water

In addition to helping clean your skin, micellar water can have additional benefits.

Gentle on sensitive skin

Research has shown that micellar water is an effective product for sensitive skin. One study examined a skincare regime consisting of micellar water, cream, and serum. The results concluded that this combination was particularly suitable for sensitive and redness-prone skin, resulting in an enhanced clinical appearance and a reduction in skin redness.⁹ 

Hydrating 

Micellar water is also known for its hydrating properties, which makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking to maintain skin moisture while cleansing. A moisturization efficacy test revealed that micellar water provided an immediate increase in skin hydration that persisted for over four hours. In comparison, cleansing oils also showed a short-term increase in moisturization, but their effects only lasted for two hours.¹⁰

3 micellar water products for your skin

Each of these gentle yet effective solutions is designed to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities while maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance.

1. Curology The Micellar Makeup Remover

Curology's Micellar Makeup Remover is a gentle, powerful cleansing solution designed to effortlessly remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities. This innovative formula harnesses the power of micellar technology to lift dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated. 

Clinically tested to improve skin hydration by 103% immediately after use*, our Micellar Makeup Remover is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Simply dampen a cotton pad, gently wipe over your face, and enjoy a refreshed complexion with no need to rinse afterward. 

*Based on a clinical study of 52 people, after application.

2. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a makeup remover and cleanser designed for all skin types. This formula lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing or rinsing. Ideal for face, lips, and eyes, it leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed, and hydrated. 

3. Bioderma Sensibio H20

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is a hydrating cleanser specially formulated for sensitive skin. This dermatologically-tested micellar solution effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities, without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Enriched with soothing cucumber extract, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and residue-free. 

Start your journey to a radiant, healthy complexion with Curology

If you're looking for a gentle and hydrating cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and impurities while leaving your skin refreshed and radiant, Curology’s micellar water may be the right solution for you.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Embrace the convenience and effectiveness of micellar water by trying it for yourself. Check out our offerings and get paired with a licensed dermatology provider for personalized skincare advice today! 

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology. (June 2017).

2. American Academy of Dermatology. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid.

3. Percival, S.L., et al. Surfactants: Role in biofilm management and cellular behaviour. International Wound Journal. (June 2019).

4. Mijaljica, D., et al. Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets. Molecules. (2022, March 21).

5. American Academy of Dermatology. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid.

6. American Academy of Dermatology. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid.

7. Inami, Y., et al. Surfactant-induced itching and the involvement of histamine released from keratinocytes. Yakugaku Zasshi. (2012, n.d.).

8. Guertler, A.,et al. Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and serum for rosacea in comparison to a control group. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. (October 2020).

9. Guertler, A., et al. Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and serum for rosacea in comparison to a control group. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Ibid.

10. American Academy of Dermatology. Sensitive skin compatibility of micellar water. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid.

Erin Pate is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Erin Pate, NP-C